Things to do across the Midlands: Enjoy Christmas in July, get outside for Southern Summer Fest and more in the area this weekend

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SUMTER COUNTY

Military ID card holders are welcome to the Rewind: '80s Deck Party on Shaw Air Force Base on Friday, July 19, at 6 p.m. Meet at Carolina Lakes Golf Course for classic arcade games, karaoke with KJ Bill Eaker with all the decade's hottest hits and a beer tasting with Grand Strand Brewery featuring the best seller on the course, The Salty Golfer, served by Wes "The Salty Golfer" Loman. Buy tickets in advance for $10 at https://tinyurl.com/43485kxt or $15 at the door.

Splash around at the Sumter Aquatics Center. The center offers classes and activities and a free water aerobics class. You can also rent the center for parties, which includes use of the new lazy river. Usual admission for all guests is $3, and hours throughout the summer are: Mondays: closed; Tuesday: noon-5 p.m.; Wednesday: noon-5 p.m.; Thursday: noon-5 p.m.; Friday: noon-7 p.m.; Saturday: noon-5 p.m.; and Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

Gamecock City Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays outside Central Carolina Technical College's Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center, 853 Broad St. The market will continue to add vendors so that there is a little bit of something for everybody, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry. If you're a vendor and wish to be a part of the market, reach out to Gamecock City Farmers Market on Facebook.

Sumter Farmers Market is up and running from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays through Nov. 22 at USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road. Grab some lunch at one of the many food trucks and purchase quality, farm-fresh products and unique hand-crafted items all at the market. SFMNP-Senior and WIC vouchers are accepted.

Fourth Fridays has started back up for the summer in front of Sumter County Courthouse, 141 N. Main St. Every fourth Friday through September, a different band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m., and the event will last until 9 p.m. with food trucks/vendors, beer and free entertainment. Palmetto Optimist Club will give out free books to kids and have popcorn for sale, and Sertoma Club will sell the beer. Downtown restaurants will also be open during the event. Bands on the schedule are Chief Complaint on July 26, Second Nature on Aug. 23 and Too Much Sylvia on Sept. 27. Bring your own chairs. Coolers aren't allowed.

The Sumter Opera House, 21 N. Main St., is bringing back its Summer Movie Series featuring $2 showings and popcorn and water for just $1. The lineup is as follows: July 23, "The Super Mario Bros. Movie"; and July 30, "Ratatouille." Movie times are 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. For additional information, visit SumterOperaHouse.com.

Sumter Original Brewery invites the community to "fill the brewery with comics and vintage toys" on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Comic Sanctum LLC is hosting the event at 2 S. Main St.

Jeep lovers, their friends and family will all come together at the third-annual Krawlin' for Christ Jeep Show and Shine on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St. There will be Jeep vendors, live music, food vendors, an RC course and the Show and Shine Competition. The indoor/outdoor event is free and open to the public and supports St. Jude Children's Hospital. To be a vendor or for more information, please contact Minnie Sue Ardis or Ashley Ardis at krawlinforchrist@sc.rr.com. Learn more about the event at https://Krawlinforchrist.wixsite.com/my-site-1.

Join The Live in the Flesh Experience for a night of good vibes and throwback music at the '90s Jammy Jam Party on Aug. 9-10 from 8 p.m. that Friday through 2 a.m. that Saturday morning. Once you've bought your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3z28by5w, join the party at Catchall Masonic Lodge, 3280 Peach Orchard Road, Dalzell.

The Palmetto Optimist Club's Burger Cookoff event returns to downtown Sumter's Rotary Plaza on Sept. 14 from 2 to 7 p.m. for the third year to help raise money for families battling childhood cancer, and the club is looking for people to sign up to compete or become a sponsor. Teams interested in participating can email PalmettoOptimistClub@gmail.com for details. Teams will compete in two categories, People's Choice and Judges' Choice. Everything will help support Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, with the money raised going to children in Sumter and Clarendon battling cancer. Visit www.palmettooptimistclub.com/s-projects-basic for more about the event and to sign up to participate.

CLARENDON COUNTY

The Manning Farmers Market at 21 E. Boyce St. is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

Find a few new-to-you treasure at the annual Clarendon Club Giant Community Yard Sale on Saturday, Aug. 3, starting at 8 a.m. Vendor and household spaces are available, and there will be deals and treasures for everyone. Catch the sale at 1219 Dingle Pond Road. For more information, email ccweddingsandevents@outlook.com or call (803) 478-2010. Sign up to be a vendor at https://tinyurl.com/2hk5t2wr.

Hear plenty of beautiful gospel music at the Gospel Sensationals - 21st Anniversary event on Saturday, Aug. 3. Earthquake Entertainment presents the show, with The McDuffies, The Gospel Legends, Ernest Pearson & The Singing Disciples, Justified, The National JRS, The McClary Sisters, The Heavenly Stars, Sons of Faith, Heavenly Angels and Cedric Bennett and Company. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and the program starts at 5 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Children under 12 can attend for free. Buy tickets at Bennett's Oil Change, 102 N. Boundary St., Manning. The event will be held at Manning Junior High School, 1101 WL Hamilton Road. For more information, call (864) 525-0625.

The Joanne W. Charles Memorial Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Santee Cooper Country Club, 630 Santee Drive, Santee. Shotgun start is at 9 a.m., and the cost is $75 per player or $300 per team. There will be prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive, plus a putting contest. Register online at Charitygolftoday.com/jwcsantee. Contact Kenneth Johnson for more about the tournament at info@jwcmemorial.org or (803) 410-0976.

Add the End of Summer concert to your calendar for Thursday, Sept. 12. The downtown Manning concert organized by the City of Manning will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m. Email ctrebil@cityofmanning.org or call (803) 435-8477 for more information.

LEE COUNTY

Nelson Racing and BJ Lounge present the Southern Summer Fest hosted by Sandra Harrison and Dreke Nelson on Saturday, July 20, at Walter Thomas Nelson Stadium, 759 Red Top Road in Lynchburg. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and show will begin at 8 p.m. Performers will include Lebrado, Uncle Daddy and Chico Lloyd. Bring your tents and chairs. No coolers allowed, and a clear bag policy will be strictly enforced. Buy tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2pcszdyr.

Hop aboard the whisper-quiet, open-air tour vehicle and explore the park along the historic Loop Road in Lee State Park on Saturday, Aug. 3 and Aug. 24. Guided tram tour guests will visit historic points of interest while keeping an eye out and ears open for park wildlife like white-tailed deer, many species of birds and turtles out and about on the park. Each tour runs from 10 a.m. to noon and costs $10 per person. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather and also for riding on a 15mph open-air tram, water and bug repellent. Binoculars, camera, sunglasses and a hat are optional. Registration deadline is one day before the program. Limited seating is available. Book your seats at https://tinyurl.com/4ybd57s5, then fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/86pLRh204z. Meet at the Environmental Education Center.

COLUMBIA

The South Carolina Book Lovers Expo and Food Truck Festival will be held Saturday, July 27, at the Gala Event Center, 1801 Bush River Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can meet 40 regional authors representing many genres, get writing coaching, get books signed and take your pick of food from among five food trucks. Children are welcome at the event and will be able to explore the newest books, get their faces painted, take part in storytelling and more. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.thebookbutler.com/events.

Enjoy a five-course meal at a Beer Dinner to help support Folds of Honor of the Palmetto State, which awards scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen and disabled military veterans. The dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce. Buy your tickets in person in the taproom with a bartender or call Baylee Richter, (803) 260-2985.

Repticon returns to Columbia on Aug. 3-4. There will be a mixture of vendors and breeders at this family oriented, fun-filled event for everyone to learn about animals not normally seen in local pet stores. Shop for a new family pet among the hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, arachnids and small exotic animals. You can also buy cages, supplies and both live and frozen feeders, and get expert advice about caring for the new pet. Repticon will be held at the Jamil Temple, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are sold online only: $15 Super Ticket (entry for both days), $12 Saturday (all day), $10 Saturday after 1 p.m., $12 Sunday (all day), $6 for children 5-12, and children 4 and under are admitted free. To buy tickets or for more information about the show, visit https://repticon.com/south-carolina/columbia.

Learn more about the culture of the Latin community through the Main Street Latin Festival on Saturday, Aug. 24, on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Main Street in downtown Columbia. Explore the culture through food, art, dance and music at this fun event for the whole family. Hear salsa, merengue, reggaetón and grupero music, watch folkloric dancers and find delicious Latin foods to try. The free festival will be Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Get a jump on some holiday shopping and find the perfect decor for your home at the Midlands Fall Arts and Crafts Market on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway. The Midlands Crafters Association says it will have unique vendors and prices there and something for every visitor.

FLORENCE COUNTY

If you already can't wait for Santa, find some Christmas cheer during one of the hottest months of the year during Christmas in July at Palmetto Peddlers, 2295 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be special sales, food trucks, special prizes and more. Palmetto Peddlers sells antiques, home decor and furniture at different vendor booths.

Enjoy high tea the Alice in Wonderland way at the Mad Hatter Tea Party on Sunday, July 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Cottage on the Francis Marion University campus. This is a fundraiser for the Florence Area Humane Society, and spots are limited. According to the society, "Don't be late for this very important date! Indulge in a whimsical afternoon celebration of Alice in Wonderland High Tea. Join us for a delightful journey down the rabbit hole with enchanting decor and delectable treats fit for a Mad Hatter tea party. This includes door prizes as well as a prize for the best hat. Plus, don't miss the chance to meet the Mad Hatter as he makes a special appearance during this magical event. Maybe even a few furry friends will drop by dressed in their finery." Price per person is $40 and $30 for kids 12 and under. Visit florencehumanesociety.org to buy tickets.

Find vintage and secondhand items, decor, clothing, crafts, jewelry, handmade items, flowers, food and music at the Round Town Vintage and Handmade Market on Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local makers, artisans and vintage/secondhand curators will be there. The market will be in the green space area surrounded by local restaurants Bean Bar Coffee, Buddy's Burgers, Local Motive, Thai Local +King Jefe Sushi, 2519 W. Palmetto St., Florence.

Enjoy an outside rodeo with entertainment and music by DJ PAYME and DJ B-LORD on Aug. 3-4. RNB+Southern Soul Birthday Rodeo starts at 8 p.m. and lasts through 1 a.m. at the Florence Fairgrounds, 5526 E. Palmetto St., Florence.

Florence RaceFest at the Market will be held at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Pee Dee State Farmers Market is at 2513 W. Lucas St., Florence. All are welcome to this free event to kick off Race Weekend. There will be games, activities, arts and crafts, food, and family friendly fun, including Cozy Coupe Races, the Kenny Shelley Memorial Auto Fair and Acceleration Zone, where you can touch and see racing vehicles up close.

KERSHAW COUNTY

The Quartet Gospel Explosion will bring songs from a variety of gospel artists to American Legion Post 17 in Camden, 1333 Chestnut Ferry Road, on Saturday, July 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. J&C Productions and Mildred Kirkland of Sky G Radio will be the hosts for the event. Hear music from The Legendary Anointed Jackson Sisters, Nu'Elevation, The Gospel Spiritual-ettes, The Anointed Angels and Lugoff's Gospel Hi-Lites. Doors open at 3 p.m., and program begins at 4 p.m. Tickets are available in advance for $15 and are $20 at the door. Children 6-12 will be admitted for $7 at the door. For tickets or vendor information, call (803) 846-9872 or (803) 206-3815.

UPSTATE

The South Carolina Bigfoot Festival is returning to Westminster on Oct. 11-12. Since 2019, thousands of people descend on this small town during the month of October to celebrate and learn about the most well know mysterious creature in the world - Bigfoot! People from all over the United States have come to the festival since 2019 and many have returned every year. Whether or not you believe in the Big Fella, you will have fun listening to expert Bigfoot researchers, tapping your feet to live music, participating in or watching the multiple contests, or perusing the many vendors up and down Main Street Westminster. Vendors may apply to participate by going to www.scbigfootfestival.com or emailing scbigfootfestival@hotmail.com.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

The YMCA of Columbia opened its water parks for summer 2024, one in Orangeburg and one in Santee. The Santee Water Park, 1761 Bass Drive, Santee, SC 29142, is open Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Orangeburg Water Park, 2550 St. Matthews Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118, is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for those 48 inches and above and $5 for those 47 inches and below. Free for YMCA of Columbia members. Both parks offer family fun slides, zero-depth pools, tot pools, lazy river, slides and spray features, group pavilions and snack bars. If you have any questions, contact the Orangeburg County YMCA at (803) 268-9622.

Carowinds has announced the lineup for its Carowinds Summer Music Fest Amplified by Coke Studio. The fest also features performances by regional bands and emerging artists throughout the park, including 10 acts performing in-park, showcasing a mix of Nashville recording artists and Carolina talent.

- Friday, July 19: Carly Pearce with Niko Moon and Hannah Ellis

- Saturday, July 20: TobyMac with Tenth Avenue North

- Friday, July 26: Brett Young with Restless Road

- Saturday, July 27: Brantley Gilbert with Lauren Alaina

- Friday, Aug. 2: Skillet with 10 Years

- Saturday, Aug. 3: Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra and Tonic

- Friday, Aug. 9: Flo Rida with Blanco Brown

- Saturday, Aug. 10: Russell Dickerson with Tyler Rich

The Carowinds Summer Music Fest is free with park admission. Season passholders can enjoy all performances as part of their pass benefits.

For the latest updates on the Carowinds Summer Music Fest, including performance schedules, visit Carowinds.com. Carowinds, a 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, is home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster, as well as more than 58 rides, attractions, and live stage shows. Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre water park, features a variety of water slides, wave pools, large play structures and a three-acre children's play area. For information on attractions and accommodations at Carowinds, visit www.carowinds.com or call (704) 588-2600.